My last two weeks at the clinic flew by quicker than the first two. Having gotten comfortable in my role only accelerated this process. The experience I had at Clinica Esperanza was an unforgettable and moving one, and one that I leave knowing fully well that I will return. From a clinical standpoint I don’t have too much to add that differs from my prior posts, as these weeks were more of the same. More GERD, more infections and sniffles, and more Hypertension and Diabetes. During my time here two separate groups of nursing students came to volunteer, both groups from Ameritech University. It was great to be able to share such a valuable hands-on experience with such eager hard working individuals. While I was in the Clinic each and every day, many of these students were able to venture out into the Community of La Colonia with the Community Health Worker. From what I’ve heard these were eye-opening and enlightening moments for many of them, and something I hope to share in when I return. Their hard work is part of why the Clinic plays the role it does within the community, and helps to reaffirm to the local population why and who for the clinic was built in the first place.
One key event in the last two weeks however was the “Bush Medicine” presentation lead by the mother of one of the volunteer coordinators. At this presentation we learned various medicinal applications to a wide variety of the plants and herbs found on the island, and were privy to long passed traditions present here on the island long before the first cruise ship arrived. For instance using eucalyptus as an expectorant, to aid in alleviating symptoms of a cough. Using flax to alleviate gastrointestinal upset and inflammation, in gastritis. Using aloe vera for a wide variety of means, such as with gastritis, colitis, and skin irritation following a burn or allergic reaction. Using prickly pear cactus to assist in diabetes control. Using Papaya to elevate “las defenses”, or romaine lettuce to ease a stomach ache and even a headache. For fever and cough one might use coconut oil, oregano leaves, and garlic. They even have a plant called the “stone breaker” that can help in flushing kidney stones. Potatoes or gastritis, garlic for asthma and circulation issues, onion for cough, lime or lemongrass tea for cold or fever, sapote seeds for acne, and even an elaborate “COVID Tea” recipe our professor admitted to using daily during the heat of the pandemic. To speak with her so candidly and learn of a foreign world slowly being forgotten due to the convenience of our newer world was an amazing experience, plus she was hands down one of the best cooks I have ever met. The homemade baleada she made us was simply delectable, and at her home in her kitchen I had one of the most authentic Roatan culinary experiences. A beautiful person indeed, and an extremely important member of her community. I’ll leave you here with a quote of hers from that evening, “I don’t change my kitchen, my island, my people, for nothing.”
Hasta Pronto Roatan.